Joy and friendship
Although Marie and Simone had to endure the losses of their spouses (one of the most painful losses of all, no doubt), they were able to mourn together and live together in Manhattan, and they supported each other. Now, they live well. They are romantically lonesome on occasion, but they live joyful lives full of adventure, just going and doing new things, and enjoying their dynamic in many different situations. This is thematic because it has to do with how they find meaning in life.
Instinct and self-acceptance
We meet a woman named Elizabeth, an acquaintance of Marie's, the woman who lives upstairs. She is extremely troubled because she doesn't see other peoples struggling the way she struggles. In her private life, she suspects that she is broken or malfunctional, because she often feels emotionally overwhelmed. In reality, she is enduring paranoia and self-esteem issues that lead her to second-guess herself about everything, instead of behaving instinctually. The theme from this woman's life is simply—trust yourself.
Art and its uses
The novel treats the issue of art directly, because one of the central adventures that the widows go on together is to a weekly art class in a cool, dusty studio where they meet artsy people who are all interesting and dimensional. They love Helen for her insight into art theory, art history, etc, because that perspective helps them to really connect with the craft. Secretly, though, it's Sid that keeps them coming back; something about art class helps the grieving women to feel a little more ready for new love.
